Mayor Annise Parker talks to the media as firefighters respond to a fire at the corner of Rusk and Travis downtown.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Mayor Annise Parker talks to the media as firefighters respond to a...

Image 2 of 3

Five firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but their injuries were not life threatening, said Assistant Chief Jack Williams.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Five firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation,...

Image 3 of 3

Fire officials said fighting such fires is labor-intensive. In Monday's blaze, about 175 firefighters responded, many carrying their equipment up the stairs. Fresh crews were brought in throughout the night to replace their fatigued colleagues.

Houston firefighters followed the "textbook approach" in fighting a blaze at a high-rise building Monday night, officials said, sending dozens of firetrucks and deploying nearly 200 crew members.

Fire crews remained at the building early Tuesday morning, and fans were clearing the structure. One employee who reported for work was turned away at the door, and a security guard said no one would be admitted to the building.

No one was seriously injured in the fire at the JP Morgan Chase building, at 712 Main, formerly the Gulf Building, officials said. Five firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but their injuries were not life threatening, said Assistant Chief Jack Williams.

No cause had been determined by late Monday.

The fire, reported shortly after 8 p.m., was confined to the 27th floor of the historic building, officials said. At one point, clouds of smoke could be seen coming from near the top of the building.

The floor is used solely by the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, the pro bono wing of the Houston Bar Association.

The fire was brought under control about 11:20 p.m., said Assistant Chief Omero Longoria.

Fire officials said fighting such fires is labor-intensive. In Monday's blaze, about 175 firefighters responded, many carrying their equipment up the stairs. Fresh crews were brought in throughout the night to replace their fatigued colleagues.

"Any fire in a high-rise is intensive, just to get water to that level," Longoria said.